James Cropper, the UK’s sole remaining manufacturer of speciality-coloured papers, is now offering direct access to its leading colour portfolio built on over 50 years of proprietary fibre-dyeing expertise. The range, designed, formulated, and crafted entirely in the UK at the company’s historic Lake District mill, is poised to make its official debut very soon.

At a time when many suppliers are cutting back colour options or moving production overseas, James Cropper is doubling down on its UK roots, boldly bringing its range of more than 50 signature shades under one vibrant new brand that will be available direct from James Cropper as well as from select merchant partners. Many of these colours have been in continuous production for decades, now reimagined and precision-engineered by James Cropper’s team of colour artisans to meet the future demands of brands, designers, and converters.

Paul Barber

Managing Director of Paper & Packaging at James Cropper

“ This is not a refresh. This is a declaration. We were the first to produce coloured paper, and we’re proud of that legacy, but we’re not here to look backwards – we’re here to own the future of colour in paper. What we’re planning has been refined over 50 years of proprietary fibre and colour formulations.

This is the latest step on our industry-defining journey. Even as the market changes, customers can still rely on James Cropper to provide unmatched vibrancy, durability, and performance – just as we always have. ”

Paul Barber

Managing Director of Paper & Packaging at James Cropper

Colour mastery honed over generations at Burneside mill

Crafting colour: A legacy of excellence

Produced entirely on-site at its Burneside mill in Cumbria, located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the portfolio showcases trusted heritage shades, while fresh bespoke formulations co-created with clients in James Cropper’s world-class colour lab provide a further demonstration of the company’s colour prowess. Every sheet is made using the company’s renowned dyed-in-the-fibre process, ensuring colour penetrates the fibre for exceptional depth, vibrancy, and longevity, outperforming surface-printed alternatives at every stage of finishing.

James Cropper has been pioneering colour since 1856, when it was the first in the world to produce coloured paper using synthetic dyes. Today, this legacy drives innovation, craftsmanship, and a relentless commitment to quality and collaboration.

Customers, both new and longstanding, are invited to experience the paper production process first-hand at the 180-year-old mill, from bespoke colour development to the final reel, gaining unique insight into the artistry behind every sheet.

The full brand identity and colour portfolio will be unveiled in an exclusive showcase soon, marking a decisive moment in the future of speciality-coloured paper.